28 Jul 2020 | 10:41 PM UTC
Antigua and Barbuda: Meteorologists issue tropical storm warnings for Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico due to potential tropical cyclone July 28
Tropical storm warnings issued for Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico on July 28 as potential tropical cyclone expected to strengthen; strong winds, heavy rain, and associated disruptions possible in the coming days
Event
On Tuesday, July 28, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) issued tropical storm warnings for the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico due to a storm system approaching the islands. As of 17:00 AST on Tuesday, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine was located 700 km (435 mi) east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and traveling west-northwest at 37 kph (23 mph), carrying winds of 65 kph (40 mph). The storm system is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm, upon which it would become Tropical Storm Isaias, before it reaches the Leeward Islands on Wednesday, July 29. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the following islands:
- Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra
- US Virgin Islands
- British Virgin Islands
- Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla
- Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Martin, and St. Barthelemy
- Saba and St. Eustatius
- St. Maarten
- Dominica
A tropical storm warning has also been issued for the Dominican Republic from Cabo Caucedo northward along the north coast to the northern border with Haiti. Current forecasts suggest the system could make landfall on Guadeloupe around midday (local time) on Wednesday, before tracking across the Lesser Antilles and possibly making landfall on Puerto Rico on Thursday, July 30. On Friday, July 31, the system is predicted to come close to the Dominican Republic, before tracking towards the Turks and Caicos and Bahamas on Saturday, August 1. It could impact the southeastern US from Sunday, August 2, although there is uncertainty over the system's long-term track and intensity.
The storm system is forecast to bring heavy rains and potentially life-threatening flash flooding and landslides across the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in the coming days. Associated disruptions to transport and business are also expected.
Advice
Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
